2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Acura MDX was a good-looking crossover SUV, though its styling was not groundbreaking or breathtaking. It didn't attract much attention in parking lots or from valets at country clubs, but it didn't shame its driver either. It simply fit in, which was sometimes good enough. Acura's early adoption of LED headlights, particularly the Jewel Eye headlights, added function and a rich look to the front of the vehicle. The MDX had a sleek and low-slung design for a three-row SUV, with chiseled details and a fast roofline. Inside, the look was modern and simple, with a highlight being the twin infotainment screens on the center stack. The MDX felt solid and well-built, thanks to high-quality materials and superior fit and finish.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a different grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, additional lower body trim, unique 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look fancier and drew attention, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied. Inside, the Calligraphy trim was luxurious, with a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, and a suede headliner. The cabin's quality made the Palisade appear more expensive than it was, offering a genuine bargain compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid with a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system displayed good straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially with torque-vectoring technology. The MDX’s four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a pleasant companion for long drives.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine making 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function. The Palisade averaged 21.1 mpg in combined driving. Its firmer suspension tuning provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without being outright fun. The Palisade was undemanding to drive, with plenty of power, easy corner judgment, and agreeable steering and brake modulation. It also offered a smooth highway cruising experience, thanks to the impressive Highway Drive Assist technology.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered sliding and reclining second-row seats, making it easier to access the third row and share legroom between rows. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured a big glove box, a flexible center console, and various storage options for passengers. It also had tri-zone climate control, making it a stylish stand-in for a minivan.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior size, seating, and accessibility. It featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs offered plenty of legroom and support, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than most other SUVs in the class. The Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage space, including a storage tray under the center console. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard tech features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech features like a surround-view camera system and heated rear outboard seats. The Entertainment Package offered a DVD rear entertainment system with a 110-volt power outlet and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, Blue Link connected services, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode. A head-up display and a surround-view camera system were also available, enhancing the Palisade’s tech offerings.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package added Head-Up Warning. The MDX featured a sophisticated body design called “Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure” for crash impact absorption. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. It included a rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and a Safe Exit Assist system. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a Blind View Monitor and Highway Drive Assist. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and included three free years of Blue Link services for automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.